Your child is NOT dumb!

Your child is not dumb. I have been an educator for the past six years, serving organizations such as Servol Ltd. , Ministry of Education, and ALTA as well as private tutoring. I have encountered students with varying mental capacities and physical capabilities and I have met parents who are frustrated and at their wits’ end trying to find avenues that maximise their children’s potential. I have also interacted with those who have succumbed to the pressure and given up, willing themselves to believe that they no longer care because they don’t know what more they can do - or they lack the resources to do so.

I am here to say emphatically: Do not give up on your child. They desperately need you to believe in and fight for them. Every child is good at something; it is important that you and your child realise that one thing because it will save you from frustration and misplaced funds in ditched attempts at finding success in academic pursuits. I know this may seem like a cliché but it is true: not every child is academically inclined. Or they may be, but think schoolwork is boring, or don’t see how it fits into their grander plans for the future.

Have no fear! For both these types of children, I have some tips that you may find helpful:

1. There are educators who cater to students that may take a little longer to grasp concepts required to excel at school. Seek them out! They will be more than willing to help your child. (We see it as a holy calling J)

2. Be patient with your child and always be willing to work with them. Show them you care and make yourself available to talk with them and find out how they’re really doing. Listen!

3. Whenever you get the chance, show your child how the staple subjects such as Mathematics, English, Science and Social Studies can be applied to everyday life in a way that makes sense to them.

4. Don’t compare your child to others. Your child is your own gift and is unique and special.

It takes work and effort, but never give up. Your child is worth it! They are depending on you; they need you to love and support them through this journey, but please don’t ever forget: YOUR child is NOT dumb!